Pediatric Dosage Rules/ Learn
Amie Bedgood, Austin Community College
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Nomogram Method

The Nomogram method is utilized to determine the correct pediatric medication dosage based specifically on the patient's size. The patient's size is identified as body surface area (BSA) in meters squared (M2). The average adult client (weighing 150 - 154 lbs) will have a BSA of 1.73M2. The nomogram chart can be used to identify the patient's BSA based on their height and weight (in. and lbs. or cm and kg).

The surface area is determined where a straight line connecting the patient's height and weight crosses over the BSA column.

Once the BSA of the patient is determined the following formula can be used to calculate the correct pediatric dosage:

Pediatric dose = Child's BSA in M2
1.73M2
x Adult Dosage

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Nomogram Chart

 

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